Jakarta, 15 January 2024 – Chair of the National Information and Communication Technology Council (Wantiknas) Executive Team, Ilham Habibie, assesses that Indonesia has the potential to successfully undergo digital transformation, and even has a big chance of becoming a digital economy champion. The reason is, Indonesia has a very large population, reaching 280 million people.

“If you can collect data precisely from all lesions, from very simple things to very complex things, it will be the basis for developing new businesses, companies and new industries,” said Ilham Habibie at the event “ The 10th Annual Indonesia Economic Forum 2023” at The Habibie-Ainun Library Jakarta, Thursday (30/11/2023).

Even so, Ilham Habibie realized that it was not an easy thing to make this happen. Because, a very supportive ecosystem is needed, both from the government and community readiness.

Ilham Habibie does not deny that the real challenge facing Indonesia in the future is the development of digital literacy and the development of skills to take advantage of this technology.

“However, this requires a strong data policy. The government must also be more open about non-contradictory data. “Of course, there is always a balance that must be met between data privacy and universal data use,” he explained.

Digital transformation, according to Ilham Habibie, cannot be separated from artificial intelligence (AI). Even though it is often considered an enemy by some parties, this technology is able to make humans more productive.

He also hopes that the development of AI will be seen as something positive. On the other hand, society must adapt itself so as not to be eroded by transformation.

“AI’s vision for any technology, including digital technology, is to help us be more productive, more efficient, more effective in doing our work. “So, basically just think of it as a system, as a copilot,” said Ilham Habibie. (CR-8)

The original article in Bahasa Indonesia can be accessed here